For the majority of my adult life, I’ve fought my curls. In college, before every single weekend out, I’d spend 30 minutes frying my hair with a flat iron (sans heat protectant). As of late, though, I’ve put the hair straightener away and tried to rediscover my curl pattern. I’m too lazy and too old to be doing all that anymore. Enter the creams. My hair is incredibly reactive to whatever product I put in it - there have been mornings when I woke up the day after washing my hair and coating it in an expensive styling cream, only to find it tangled into one mass. Mostly, out of fear, I had stuck to my tried-and-true Aveda curl cream.
For the sake of the experiment, I tried to pair each curl cream with the brand’s shampoo and conditioner. If one or either wasn’t available, I used a third-party product I knew worked well in my hair to even out the playing field. I applied every cream directly out of the shower and raked it through with a Bounce Curl brush. This is the curl line everyone seems to write home about - Ice Spice once told me it was the secret to her ginger crop. Honestly, she was on to something. I liked the way my curls turned out. They had great volume, and although there was a little frizz, I let it slide because the body and movement had me hooked. This trio also kept my hair (which loves to knot) significantly tangle-free for three days (don’t judge) between washes.
New! New! New! The love curl creams are getting reformulated, so I tried the curl serum and a compatible shampoo and conditioner. All of them smelled divine, and the serum helped define my curls wonderfully. It left a very mild, gel-like cast on a curl or two that I broke with a bit of hair oil. I could’ve done with a little more volume at the roots, but my hair was frizz-free enough that I didn’t mind. This is going to be my go-to pick for the hotter summer months when I want some softness and shine. My second-day hair was just as great as the first, with nearly no overnight tangles. New! New! New!
If you’re looking for silky definition, this set is going to get you there and then some. I should’ve applied more product on my ends, which had a bit of a fluffed look to them solely due to user error. I typically don’t prioritize a defined curl, but this line completely changed my mind. New! New! New! New! New!
I thought I wouldn’t like this as much since the custard presents like a gel-cream hybrid, and although I did overapply a smidge and got a tiny bit of crunch on my more wispy curls, I loved the definition, hold, and bounce this cream gave me. My hair did not frizz whatsoever. When I woke up the next morning, my hair had lost some volume, but the definition and movement in my curls were still very much intact. This cream is going to become my humid-weather best friend. Success! New! Hips don’t lie, and apparently Shakira does not either. I was completely shocked by how much I liked this line from the singer. Celebrity beauty brands don’t always hit the mark, but this landed for me. Although I paired it with the leave-in conditioner, the result was not entirely frizz-defying. I loved the volume it gave my curls (which is something I always struggle with) and the movement enough to forgive that, though. New! New! New!
Your product is saved! This cream highlights the natural look of curly and wavy hair and promotes its health and beauty. Curly hair is usually dry and requires maximum care and hydration. It contains Argan and Macadamia oils with precious nutritive and antioxidant properties, as well as keratin, panthenol and silk protein. Thanks to these ingredients it provides excellent care for your hair, giving curls silky shine, softness and elasticity, at the same time controlling static electricity. Apply the cream along, from root to tip of, the wet hair after washing, and gently form curls. Let it dry naturally. To speed up the process, a hair dryer with a diffuser may be used. The cream can also be applied on dry hair during the day, as needed.
Reviews Questions & Answers Notify Me When Available! This cream highlights the natural look of curly and wavy hair and promotes its health and beauty. Curly hair is usually dry and requires maximum care and hydration. It contains Argan and Macadamia oils with precious nutritive and antioxidant properties, as well as keratin, panthenol and silk protein. Thanks to these ingredients it provides excellent care for your hair, giving curls silky shine, softness and elasticity, at the same time controlling static electricity. Apply the cream along, from root to tip of, the wet hair after washing, and gently form curls. Let it dry naturally. To speed up the process, a hair dryer with a diffuser may be used.
Curly hair flourishes when you embrace its natural texture, but if you're aiming for a more defined look with your hair styling, the best curl cream can make a world of difference in keeping those spirals intact. That's easier said than done, though: The journey to discovering your perfect formula can be tricky, especially when dealing with frizz and humidity. Intended for hair types 2A to 4C, these oil-infused, hold-boosting formulas can enhance your natural curls by adding definition, taming frizz, and amplifying shine all at once. Unlike hair gels and mousses, creams work by coating each strand with nourishing ingredients that help natural hair maintain its curl shape while preventing moisture loss throughout the day.
Twist & Curl Cream, $16 Best for Coily Hair: Matrix A Curl Can Dream, $21 Best for Frizzy Hair: Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream, $8 Best for Wash and Go Styles: Mielle Organics Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream, $14 Best for Mixed Curl Patterns: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream, $24 Best for Dry Hair: Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream, $26 Best of all, using a curl cream is pretty effortless-in fact, the less you do, the better. Don’t touch or fluff your hair until it’s fully dry, or you risk disturbing the shape and creating frizz, says New York-based hairstylist Cataanda James.
Don’t know where to start? We've curated a list of the best curl creams, butters, and leave-ins to suit every texture and curl pattern. Sarah Hoffmann Why we love it: If your curls constantly feel like they’re running on empty, this cream delivers the tall drink of water they’ve been craving. Aveda’s Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream hydrates hair while also keeping frizz at bay for up to 72 hours. The payoff? Softer, shinier, and more defined strands that hold their shape. Its curl-perfecting peptide penetrates deep into fragile hair with 17 essential amino acids, strengthening from within while helping curls and waves maintain bounce. Kokum seed butter provides slip, making detangling easier and minimizing breakage, while adding long-lasting moisture and a frizz-free shape. Sarah Hoffmann.
Don’t tell the other curl creams I’ve tried for work recently, but I’ll always come back to Aveda. I scrunch about a nickel-sized amount through wet hair every time I shower, and my curls always turn out springy, soft, and shiny. Edward Horgan. Why we love it: Fenty Hair’s The Homecurl Curl-Defining Styling Cream is designed to take the guesswork out of curl styling by combining curl control, hydration, and frizz protection in one easy step. The gel-cream hybrid spreads easily through damp strands, coating each curl from root to tip without weighing it down or leaving a crunchy cast. The formula’s standout is Rihanna’s proprietary Replenicore-5 complex, a blend that helps repair split ends, strengthen strands, and shield against environmental stressors; it’s paired with wild mango butter, which deeply moisturizes curls throughout the day. Edward Horgan.
Tester feedback from beauty closet associate Edward Horgan: This is one of the only curl creams that gives me the perfect hold without that crunchy feel that we all hate. Shanna Shipin. Why we love it: When you crave definition without the stiffness, a soft-hold styler delivers. Curlsmith’s Awestruck Definition Cream strikes that perfect balance, enhancing curls and waves while maintaining their natural bounce. To call it a cream would be an understatement: It actually uses a unique gel-in-oil technology to deliver mid-level hold with a soft, flexible, and touchable feel. Shanna Shipin. It’s not dramatic to say that I was genuinely awestruck (as the name would suggest!) by this product from Curlsmith. It’s extremely lightweight and has a hold similar to that of a flexible gel or soft-hold jelly-but the difference is that this styling cream can truly define a pattern out of a fried and frizzled mess of hair. Having put my hair through the wringer, I can tell you: This cream works miracles. It speeds up the replenishment process and helps you find your curl pattern again after months or years of heat styling. I go from S-shaped waves to coily, bouncy curls-with hair that looks hydrated and split-end-free. If you want more frizz control, you’ll want to layer in the Moisture Memory Release spray before using the cream. But when using this styler, I don’t even need to use a gel for juicy curls all day-it’s that good! If you have thick, heavy hair that doesn't quite work with the brand's popular Air Dry Cream, you've got to give this one a try.” -Shanna Shipin, shopping director.
Key ingredients: apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, sunflower seed extract. Who it’s for: all curl types. Silicone-free: yes. Scent: n/a. Best for Fine Hair: Ouai Curl Crème. Why it's worth it: Jen Atkin tapped 150 people in her network to test and co-create a do-it-all curl cream. Our editors with 2B, 2C, and 3C/4A curl types fell in love with the sweet-smelling, lightweight Curl Crème. A blend of chia and linseed oils add shape and protect hair from humidity, while babassu oil brings in the shine. Deanna Pai. Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai: “I tend to reach for leave-in conditioners since my hair is so dense but fine. But when I want more defined curls and extra bounce, I go to this. It’s easy to scrunch into hair but never weighs down my hair at the crown or on the ends.”
Key ingredients: apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, sunflower seed extract. Who it’s for: types 2 and 3 curls. Silicone-free: yes. Scent: bergamot, apple blossom, raspberry. More curl creams we love: Best Drugstore: SheaMoisture Kalahari Melon Oil Curl Stretch Multi-Tasking Volume Cream. SheaMoisture Kalahari Melon Oil Curl Stretch Multi-Tasking Volume Cream. Why we love it: Shrinkage can make type 4 curls feel like they never reach their full potential, but SheaMoisture’s Kalahari Melon Oil Curl Stretch Multi-Tasking Volume Cream was designed to change that. This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner delivers five days of definition, flexible hold, and volume while addressing the main culprits of shrinkage: dryness, breakage, and tangles. The formula combines hyaluronic serum, activated coconut oil, and Kalahari melon oil to deeply hydrate, condition, and elongate curls, giving them both length and resilience. The slip makes detangling easy, helping curls stay smooth and defined without breakage. And to top it off, the mango, rose, and vanilla scent adds an indulgent finishing touch.
Slipping and sliding! That is what my coils were doing after I applied this cream. It has amazing slip that helped detangle but also brought every individual curl to life. It works best when applied to wet hair for either a wash and go or twist out. Bonus points: Use a dryer to set the length instead of air-drying. One con is that it can't stand up to high humidity. Twist & Curl Cream. Why we love it: The satisfaction of a plump and bouncy twist out is unmatched, but to execute it, you need the right cream, a.k.a. Twist & Curl Cream. This moisture-heavy formula fights shrinkage, keeping curls elongated, bouncy, and soft. It coats strands with slip that makes twisting, coiling, or shingling a smooth process. Coconut oil helps minimize shrinkage so your hard-earned length stays visible, while rose water boosts elasticity, and vitamin E adds protection and hydration. The result is curls and twists that stay defined, moisturized, and resilient for days. Twist & Curl Cream is king! It is a top-shelf pick for myself and my clients who want high definition and bouncy curls in a variety of styles. The Doux mastered this mix, and it is a true-to-form cream in every sense of the word. It's smooth, dense, and combats shrinkage for long-lasting elongated curls while intensifying curl formation and moisture retention. The slip factor allows for ease in distribution from root to tip!” -Cataanda James, hairstylist. Key ingredients: coconut oil, rose water, vitamin E. Who it’s for: curly and coily hair. Silicone-free: no. Scent: Fragrance-Free. Best for Coily Hair: Matrix A Curl Can Dream. Why we love it: Coily textures need extra moisture and protection, and Matrix’s A Curl Can Dream Moisturizing Cream delivers both in one step. Infused with manuka honey extract, this rich formula wraps coils and kinks in lasting hydration while guarding against heat up to 450 degrees. It defines without stiffness or flaking, making it just as reliable for a rod set as it is for a blow-dry or diffuse. By sealing in moisture and smoothing each strand, it keeps coils soft, springy, and uniform long after wash day. For anyone balancing the delicacy of coils with the need for versatility, this cream is the kind of multitasker that earns a permanent spot in your hair routine. Expert feedback from James: “I love Matrix A Curl Can Dream because it is a professional line that was specifically formulated for curl types 3 and 4. What this means is that, from concept to completion, this Curl Preserving System was designed to bring solutions to the nuances of higher curl patterns, which explains the foolproof results I’ve [experienced since using] it on my clients' 3C/4A hair for the first time. It hydrates and provides definition on types 3 and 4 without flakes or crunch! It works best on clean, wet hair (do not towel dry).” -Cataanda James, hairstylist. Key ingredients: manuka honey extract. Who it’s for: curly and coily hair. Silicone-free: yes. Scent: n/a. Best for Frizzy Hair: Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream. Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream. Why we love it: Your curls won’t stand a chance on high humidity days-unless your strands are set in place with Marc Anthony’s Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream. The formula smooths and softens curls while actively blocking airborne moisture that typically causes expansion and shape loss. Enriched with nourishing shea butter, moisturizing avocado oil, and antioxidant vitamin E, it delivers sustained hydration and frizz control without sacrificing bounce. Silk proteins fortify each strand and enhance manageability, delivering definition minus the crunch. From loose waves to tight coils, this versatile cream locks in your desired shape while resisting even the most challenging humidity. However, “the viscosity is similar to a deep conditioner, so be sure not to over-apply,” warns James. Expert feedback from James: “Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream is my go-to for humidity-resistant, free-flowing curls with definition. For curly girls with 2-3C curls that want maximum curl definition without the coated feel that other cream formulas containing emollients deliver, this is the perfect solution. If you are a wash ‘n go girlie that has experienced the highly visible white cast while setting your hair to air dry, you know the short- and long-term benefits of NO white residue! You can literally wash and go, and that is really significant and allows for you to truly set it and forget it! [And for] more dense curl patterns, it dupes as the perfect primer before a styler because of its lightweight finish.” -Cataanda James, hairstylist. Key ingredients: shea butter, avocado oil, vitamin E. Who it’s for: frizz-prone, wavy and curly hair. Silicone-free: no. Scent: n/a. Best for Wash and Go Styles: Mielle Organics Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream. Mielle Organics Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream. Why we love it: Few things feel better than stepping out with a soft and defined wash and go, especially one in collaboration with Mielle’s Babassu & Mint Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream. Formulated with a powerhouse blend of Brazilian oils like babassu, buriti, copaiba, and murumuru, this hair-care essential quenches thirsty strands while securing long-lasting definition. The result is curls that look smoother, feel bouncier, and stay uniform long after styling. Its rich yet lightweight texture makes it versatile enough for wash-and-gos or rod sets, giving curls the freedom to hold their shape without any crunch. With nourishing fatty acids that ease detangling and add shine, this formula treats your hair and prevents damage in the process. Expert feedback from James: “Mielle Organics Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream performs like a styler with firm hold but provides all the moisture a curly girl needs for soft, pliable curls. The texture is very thick and dense, so I like to warm it up by rubbing it between my fingertips and work it upwards onto the strands to set the curls.” -Cataanda James, hairstylist. Key ingredients: babassu oil, buriti oil, copaiba oil. Who it’s for: dry and curly hair. Silicone-free: no. Scent: n/a. Best for Mixed Curl Patterns: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream. Why we love it: Defined curls don’t happen by accident. They need the right balance of moisture and control, and Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème gets it exactly right. Rice amino acids and tomato fruit ferment work together to seal the cuticle and lock in your natural curl pattern, while avocado oil and quinoa extract provide weightless hydration that keeps strands soft and flexible. The result is that 3A and 4C curls alike stay uniform, hold their shape all day, and never feel crunchy. The best part? Definition doesn't fade after day one; the formula locks in curl structure that withstands humidity and movement for days on end. Scrunch the cream into damp curls for natural definition, then let it air-dry for soft, touchable curls that last all day. Key ingredients: rice bran oil, rooibos tea, shea butter. Who it’s for: mixed curl patterns. Silicone-free: yes. Scent: citrus. Best for Dry Hair: Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream. Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream. Why we love it: Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream is guaranteed to restore life to your dried-out, frizzy curls, thanks to ingredients like curl-defining milk thistle and sweet almond and damage-repairing wheat protein. There's no shortage of hydration, either, with a bursting blend of chamomile, hydrolyzed silk, and meadowfoam seed and corn oils. Pro tip: Apply to extra-wet hair to lock moisture in. “This is a major key for luscious, juicy type 3 curls and up," hairstylist Hunter attests, says of this paraben-, sulfate-, and mineral oil-free formula. "This curl cream will eliminate the use of unnecessary products and works amazingly alone.” Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, soybean seed extract, milk thistle. Who it’s for: dry and curly hair. Silicone-free: yes. Scent: almond.
- Frequently Asked Questions about curl creams and wavy hair care
- What should you look for in a curl cream?
- How to apply curl cream for best definition and minimal frizz
What should you look for in a curl cream? When choosing a curl cream, focus on ingredients that hydrate and define without leaving your curls feeling greasy or weighed down. Curl creams should be free from synthetic ingredients like amodimethicone and dimethicone, says Joseph. If you have wavy hair, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds-the length of straight hair and the body of curly hair. However, multi-textured hair patterns can be a little more challenging than straight hair when it comes to products and styling. Straight hair doesn’t require you to put product on while hair is wet, says Alex Mouneu, a Los Angeles curl specialist and co-owner of Curl Club LA. It helps to understand what makes wavy hair so wonderfully unique. Compared to the linear shape of straight hair or the zig-zag of coils, wavy hair takes on an “S” shape, smoothing in some parts and bending at others. To achieve flowy, runway-ready hair, on multi-textured strands, you need curl cream for wavy hair. If you’ve ever wondered “can you use curl cream on wavy hair”, the answer is yes, and it can transform the way your waves hold and shine. Using Curl Cream To Enhance The Natural Wave PatternCurl cream has been a longtime love for curly girls and guys because of its unique ability to shape and hold textured hair. Curl cream provides moisture, which in turn allows the cuticle to get what it needs. It also secures your waves together for a more cohesive look, says Mouneu. A high-quality curling cream for wavy hair not only defines your natural texture but also keeps your style lasting longer. A good curl cream for wavy hair will coat your strands with a thin film that smooths cuticles and prevents hair from tangling. The new, even surface, will allow locks to move past each other while maintaining their definition. Look for ingredients like flaxseed extract for extra spring and definition, while hyaluronic acid for moisture and hydrolyzed proteins and oils to boost strength are welcome. Natural heat protectants like arginine and pea extract help prevent damage from heat tools.
Taming Unwanted Frizz And Flyaways With Curl Cream For Wavy HairCurl cream for wavy hair is especially effective for those managing frizz, dryness, or uneven texture. A curl cream for wavy hair will contain the right oils (such as smoothing pequi oil) and nourishing elements to keep unwanted frizz at bay. Frizzy hair occurs when hydrogen bonds are reconfigured in the hair, causing hair to fold itself back and fray. You can use curl cream to slick flyaways for sleeker styles. Add a little water to your fingertips and use a pea-size amount of cream. Massage the water into the cream and voila! To prevent unwanted frizz from happening altogether, start by washing and conditioning hair with products formulated for your unique hair type. Apply curl cream to wet hair, moving up and down strands for maximum impact. Knowing how to use curl cream on wavy hair properly makes all the difference: use too little and it won’t spread evenly; use too much and it may weigh hair down. Always made to order.
Using Curl Cream To Moisturize And Hydrate WavesWavy hair can dry quickly since the bends in locks can cause the hair’s outer layer to rise, forcing moisture out. Mouneu suggests massaging curl cream into soaking wet hair. I usually recommend curl cream for a base of moisture underneath gels or mousses. Always air-dry or use a hovering motion with your diffuser to get excess moisture out. Then go in by scrunching your curls with your diffuser attachment. However, curl cream, which works wonders on wash day, can also be applied to dry hair for extra moisture and style. Just apply the curl cream to hair for a quick refresh, moving your fingers around to distribute the product evenly and scrunching to bring back hair’s shape. For those asking how to curl chemically straightened hair or maintain soft waves after heat styling, curl cream offers the hydration and flexibility your strands need. A high performing curl cream will contain oils and other hydrating ingredients to lock in moisture for days. Wrap Up Curl cream is such a versatile product and is not reserved for only those with super curly hair. Curl cream and wavy hair are also a perfect match.